Types of Candy: From Chocolate Bars to Nostalgic Classics

Chocolate Candy

Chocolate dominates the candy aisles, from bars to assortments. Made from roasted cacao beans, chocolate provides antioxidants and mood-boosting magnesium. But its high sugar and calorie content means you should enjoy it sparingly.

Chocolate Bars

Chocolate bars come in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate varieties. Some popular choices include:

Hershey's - The classic American milk chocolate bar first produced in 1900.
Snickers - Nougat, caramel, and peanuts covered in milk chocolate. Introduced in 1930.
Kit Kat - Crisp wafers in milk chocolate. Created in 1935 in the U.K.
Reese's - Milk chocolate and smooth peanut butter. Launched as a perfect pairing in 1928.
Milky Way - Nougat and caramel under milk chocolate. Available in the U.S. since 1923.

Filled Chocolates

These chocolates feature creamy fillings inside a solid chocolate shell:

Lindt truffles - Silky ganache centers enrobed in decadent Lindt chocolate.
Godiva - Handcrafted Belgian chocolates with sensuous fillings.
Ferrero Rocher - Hazelnut piece dipped in chocolate and wafer crumbs. An elegant treat.

Assorted Chocolates

Assortments offer a medley of filled chocolates in an array of flavors, often in a festive box:

Whitman's Sampler - The famous assortment of creams, nuts, fruits, and more milk chocolates.
Russell Stover - Creative assortments with many low sugar and sugar-free options.
Hershey's Kisses - Bite-sized, teardrop shaped milk chocolates first sold in 1907.

Non-Chocolate Candy

Beyond chocolate, there are hundreds of delightful non-chocolate candies. From fruity and sour to rich and creamy, these sweets satisfy every craving.

Gummy Candy

Gummies feature gelatin, corn starch, sugar, and flavorings to achieve their chewy texture:

Haribo Goldbears - Juicy, fruit-flavored gummi bears make the original 1922 German confections.
Albanese - Softer, thicker gourmet gummi bears in intense fruit flavors.
Swedish Fish - These red fish-shaped chews have been around since the 1950s.

Fruit Chews

Fruit snack brands infuse real fruit juice into chewy candies:

Fruit Roll-Ups - Thin, fruit-flavored sheets introduced in the 1980s.
Fruit by the Foot - Long, fruit-flavored strips first unrolled in 1991.
Starburst - Bursting juice in original and tropical fruit flavors.

Licorice Candy

Licorice gets its signature flavor from the licorice plant root. Popular types include:

Twizzlers - The classic chewy licorice twists in both cherry and strawberry varieties.
Red Vines - Chewy red licorice strips dating back over 100 years.

Caramels

These old-fashioned candies have a signature sweet and buttery flavor:

Werther's Originals - Soft caramels with creme centers wrapped in paper.
Cow Tales - Vanilla caramel with a hint of milk chocolate.
Rolos - Chocolate covered caramel bites popular since the 1930s.

Hard Candies

From mints to lollipops, these candies have a hard outer shell and melt in your mouth:

Jolly Ranchers - Hard fruit-flavored candies with an intense sweet-tart taste.
Werthers Originals - Buttery creamy mints with the Werther's caramel flavor.
Dum Dums - Classic pops enjoyed since 1924, especially the Mystery flavor!

Nostalgic & Penny Candy

Bring back childhood memories with candies popular through the generations:

Candy buttons - Small sugar dots on paper strips invented in the 1800s.
Bit-O-Honey - Sweet-tart taffy bites first produced in 1924.
Necco Wafers - Retro chocolate wafers dating back to 1847.
Chuckles - Jelly candy in five fruit flavors, enjoyed since 1921.

Best and Worst Candy for Your Health

Candy is high in sugar, so it's best enjoyed occasionally. To make the healthiest choices, look for these features:

Best Candy Options

Higher cacao content dark chocolate
Less artificial colors and flavors
Real fruit ingredients
Less fat and saturated fat
Lower sugar varieties

Worst Candy Options

Heavy milk and white chocolates
Artificial dyes and flavors
Hydrogenated oils
High fructose corn syrup
Caramel, nougat and other sugar-laden ingredients

Portion out your candy treats, and balance them with nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains. Make sure to brush after eating sweets, and drink water to wash away sugar from the teeth.

Candy Makes Life Sweeter

Candy provides an intense sweet flavor that brings back happy memories. While it shouldn't make up a major part of your diet, the occasional treat in moderation can be part of a balanced lifestyle. Focus on your overall eating habits rather than feeling guilty for straying "off your diet" now and then.

Next time a candy craving strikes, reach for a healthier dark chocolate option, or a fun blast-from-the-past like Necco Wafers or Bit-O-Honey. Candy in variety keeps life exciting - just enjoy your favorite sweets in sensible portions!

FAQs

What are some of the most popular chocolate candy bars?

Classic chocolate candy bars include Hershey's, Snickers, Kit Kat, Reese's, and Milky Way. Hershey's is the original American milk chocolate bar from 1900. Snickers combines nougat, caramel and peanuts in milk chocolate.

What are fruit chews and popular brands?

Fruit chews feature real fruit juice flavors in a chewy candy base. Popular fruit chew brands are Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit by the Foot, and Starburst. Fruit Roll-Ups have thin, fruit-flavored sheets, while Fruit by the Foot comes in long strips.

What makes caramels different from other candies?

Caramels get their signature flavor from heating sugar to create caramelization. They have a rich, buttery taste. Classic caramel candies include Werther's Originals, Cow Tales, and Rolo bites.

What are some examples of nostalgic penny candy?

Nostalgic penny candies include Candy Buttons, Bit-O-Honey taffy, Chuckles jelly candies, and Necco Wafers. These old-fashioned treats bring back childhood memories of candy stores and trick-or-treating.

How can you choose healthier candy options?

Look for dark chocolate with higher cacao content, minimal artificial ingredients, real fruit, and less sugar. Avoid heavy milk chocolates, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. Prioritize your overall diet, and enjoy candy in moderation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.